Baptism Through My Zoom Lens

If you could see what I see through my zoom lens on baptism day each year, you would walk away from the pond a changed person. Here’s what I saw this past Sunday:

An army of baptizees cresting the hill in exuberant abandon, while a watching crowd cheers them on with colorful fabric waving high.

A man being laid down in the water, dying to himself and rising again as he allows Jesus to make him into a new creation.

The sweet preschool girl who tenderly placed her hand on her mommy’s face and hugged her tight in celebration.

The water witness who stood behind her daughter, with a look of pure emotion on her face.

Humble heads that bowed in awe because this gift REALLY is for them!

The high fives and jubilation of baptizees as they hugged their pastors and water witnesses.

A grandson unable to contain himself as he rushed into his grandmother’s arms.

Brothers baptized with arms intertwined.

Pastors who, over and over, figuratively (and literally!) pointed to Jesus all evening long.

Rocks, laid down and no longer used for hiding behind - or throwing at others.

The hands clasped in prayer the moment they emerged from the water, praising God for such an extravagant gift of grace.

The wife who watched her husband surrender to his Father.

The innumerable arms raised in victory, knowing they have an eternity to look forward to with Someone who adores them.

The earthly father who hoists his daughter in the air and celebrates Father’s Day knowing that their heavenly Father is pleased with His Beloved.

The trembling chin of a burly man who was Just. Trying. To. Keep. It. Together! so he didn’t burst into tears.

Husbands and wives who clung to each other.

The grown man whose lips said the words, “I’m ready” in response to his baptism time.

The tear-filled eyes of a woman who doesn’t feel alone anymore.

The baptism of the person who was one of the first links in a chain of people responsible for inviting me to a church where God finally became real and personal to me.

And the arms of a friend outstretched to the pal who is the latest link in that chain of people invited to a church where Jesus has become real and personal.

Amazing grace. Unshackled chains. Freedom in Christ, finally!